Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1887-04-09
FISHERIES RETALIATION
VHE PRESIDENT TELLS HOW HE
STANDS ON THE ISSUE.

stamp Patriotism should Make
Light Whatever Sacrifices Are Neces-
sary For the Defense of the National
Honor.
WASHINGTON, April S.-The Presi-
dent having received a communication
from the American Fisheries Union of
Massachusetts calling attention to the
fisheries dispute and suggesting that the
retaiatory act passed by the late Con-
gress would, In their opinion, be suffi-
GENTLY executed If the proposed retala-
ton was confined to the closing OF United
States markets to Canadian fish products,
he has made the following answer:
EXECUTIVE MANsIoNJ
WASHINGTON, April I, 1887.
TO Ge01ge Steel, ESQ, President american
Fishery URl0R, and Others, Gloucester,
Mass:
GENTLEMEN--I have received your let
ter addressed to me, and have given full
consideration TO the expression OF views
and wishes therein contained IN relation
to the existing differences between the
governments of Great Britain and the
United States growing out OF the refusal
to award TO our citizens engaged in fish
Ing enterprises privileges to which they
are entitled, either under treaty stipula-
comfy and neighborly concessions. L
sincerely trust The apprehension you
express of UNJUST and unirlendly
treatment or American fishermen law
fully found in Canadian waters will not
be realized, but if such apprehension
should prove to be well founded, | earn
estly hope that no fault or inconsiderate
action OF any OF our citizens will in the
least weaken the just position of our gov
erhment or deprive Us of the universal
sympathy and support to which we should
be entitled. Tn action of this admins
tratiOn since June, 1855, when the fishery
articles Of the treaty OF 1871 were termin-
ated under the notification which had two
years before been given by our govern
ment, has been fully disclosed by the cor
respondeDce between the representa-
tlvts aud appropriate officials of
the respective governments, with which,
! am apprised by your letter, YOU
ale entirely familiar. An examination
OF this correspondence has doubtless
satisfied YOU that in no case have the
rights hOr privileges of American fisher
men been overlooked or neglected, but,
~ the contrary, they have been sedulOusly
Insisted upon and cared for by every
mtans within control of the executive
branch of the government. The act of
Congress approved March 3, 1887, au-
s8Orzlng the course of retaliation
through Executive action in the event of
con !nuance on the part of the British
American authorities of unfriendly con-
duct and treaty violations affecting
American fish armen, has deVOlVed upon
the President Of the United states exceed
lngly grave and solemn responsibilities,
cOmpreheuding highly important conse-
quences to out national character and
dignity, and involving extremely yalu-
able commercial Intercourse between the
in nrfh
and the people of the United States.
understand the main purpose of your
ietter ls to suggest that in case recourse
TO the retaliatory measures authorized by
this act shOuld be invited by unjust treat
ment of our fishermen in the future, the
object of such retaliation might be fully
accomplished by "prOhi biting Canadian
caught fish from entry into ports OF the
United States" The existing controversy
Is one in which two nations are parties
concerned. The retaliation contemplated
ny the act OF Congress is to be enforced
not to protect solely any particular
Interest, however meritorious or
valuable, but to maintain the national
honor, and thus protect all our people.
IN this view violation of American
fishery rights and unjust or unfriendly
ACTS toward portion of our citizens en-
gaged In this business is but the occasion
lor action, and constitutes a national
afront which gives birth to and may
justify retaliation. This measure once
resorted TO, its effectiveness and value
may well depend upon the thoroughness
ana extent OF its application,
anu In TN performance OF
International duties, the enforcement
OF International rights and protection OF
our citizens this government and the |
people OF the United States must act as a |
unll, all intent upon obtaining the best |
results OF retaliation upon the basis OF |
the maintenance of the national honor
ano uuty. nation seeking by any means |
~ MAINTAIN Its honor and dignity and !
integrity ls engaged in protecting the !
Ilghts OF It's people, and II in such efforts |
paitlcular interests are injured and spe- |
clal advantages forfeited these things |
should be practically borne for the public |
good.
An immense volume OF population. man. |
ul"ctures and agricultural prOduc- |
lions and marine tonnage and rail- |
ways 10 which these have given |
SctlVlty, all largely the result Of inter- |
course between the United States and |
$lpnsh America, and the natural growth |
sra lull hali-century of good neigh bor-
aoou ana friendly communication, form |
W aggregate of material wealth and in. |
eidental relations of most impressive |
magnitude. l fully appreciate thess
lungs and am not unmindful OF the
great number OF our people who are con.
terests. ~ -
In the performance OF the serious duty
h "nich Congress has imposed upon me,
tu ana IN the exercise upon just occasion OF
sle power conferred under the act re-
ie,Ted TO, 1 shall deem myself bound to
,uhict no unnecessary damage or injury
sbom SPon any portion of our people; but /
ST"iI' Sv nevertheless, be unilinching, guided
9y sense of what the seltresnect and
ulgnlty of the nation demands. in the
,rholutenance ,ho OF these, and in support OF
& vne honor OF the government beneath
rn "ulcn rs every citizen may repose In safety,
as, aU eacrince OF personal or private inter.
Se,s Son snail be considered rs against the
eensral welfare, Yours, very truly,
GROVER CLEVELAND.